Media Servers

EyeHome

Connections:
Video outputs: component (1), S-video (1), composite (1)
Audio outputs: digital optical (1), stereo analog (1)
Inputs: none
Additional: Ethernet (1)

Minimum Mac Specs:
PowerPC G4 500-MHz processor
OS X 10.2.8 with QuickTime 6.4 and QuickTime for Java 1.4.1
Ethernet port
20 MB hard-disk space

Compatible Formats:
Video: MPEG-1, -2, and -4; DivX
Music: AIFF; WAV; AAC; Ogg Vorbis; WMA; AC-3; PLS; MPEG-1, -2, and -3
Photos: JPEG, BMP, GIF, PNG

Dimensions (H x W x D, inches): 1.4 x 8.3 x 6.1
Weight (pounds): 0.83
Price: $179

EyeTV 200

Connections:
Video inputs: S-video (1), composite (1)
Audio inputs: stereo analog (1)
Outputs: none
Additional: RF in (1), six-pin FireWire (2)

Minimum Mac Specs:
PowerPC G4 500-MHz processor
OS X 10.2.8 and 256 MB of RAM
QuickTime 6.4
FireWire port
20 MB hard-disk space
Internet connection to access TitanTV program guide (optional)
CD or DVD burner and Toast 6 Titanium software to create DVDs or VideoCDs (optional)

Dimensions (H x W x D, inches): 1.4 x 8.3 x 6.1
Weight (pounds): 0.83
Price: $299

Elgato EyeHome Digital Media Player and EyeTV 200 Tuner/DVR

Build Quality: 78
The build quality of both boxes leaves a lot to be desired: They're quite flimsy compared with HT equipment, and the connection panels don't feel secure
Neither remote is backlit

Value: 94
The EyeHome costs much less to add to your existing Mac than buying a dedicated media server
The EyeTV 200 is comparable in price to its A/V counterpart, with less functionality but no monthly service fee

Features: 90
The EyeHome is 802.11g-compatible for wireless multiroom
The EyeTV 200 has remote scheduling but not two-way communication with your cable box

Performance: 90
You can navigate the EyeHome menus quickly, and new Mac content shows up right away
The EyeTV 200 does what it's supposed to; the rest is up to your computer

Ergonomics: 88
Generally easy to set up and use—unless you run into a network problem
The absence of clear labels on the EyeTV 200 remote makes it hard to use

Overall Rating: 89
The EyeHome is an inexpensive media player that any Mac owner could benefit from; the EyeTV 200 is more suitable for the Mac enthusiast looking to enhance an already tricked-out machine.

General Information
EyeHome Digital Media Player, $179
EyeTV 200 Tuner/DVR, $299
Elgato Systems
(415) 391-0310
www.elgato.com